Abbey Park

Abbey Park is Leicester’s premier park and lies approximately one mile north of the City centre. The River Soar divides this beautiful park into two distinct areas: to the east of the river lies the highly decorative Victorian part of the park with its evergreen shrubberies, trees, lakes and formally planted flower displays and to the west of the river lies the fascinating Abbey Grounds. Within this area are the remains of the twelfth century Leicester Abbey and the ruins of Cavendish House, a seventeenth century mansion. 

Historical Interest  

The Abbey and surroundings are of historical interest and a ‘Scheduled Ancient Monument’. The park is also officially designated as ‘a park or garden of special historic interest (grade II)’.  (For more historical information click here). 

Landscape Features  

One of the main attractions of this delightful park are the vibrant flower displays and wide variety of trees and shrubs. The lakes are quiet and tranquil and a haven for wildlife. 

Chinese Garden  

Officially opened in 1989, many of the plants in this area are of Chinese origin and the paintings on the ceiling of the ‘Pagoda’ were actually painted in Taiwan. 

Redland Garden of the Senses  

This Garden has been specially designed to appeal to all the senses. It features plants chosen for their colour, foliage and scent. There is a sound garden with water feature, wind chimes and plants that pick up the sound of the breeze. There are also sculptures that can be seen and touched. The Garden appeals to all visitors but with its good access and raised planters it is particularly enjoyable for people with a sensory or physical disability.  Please contact the park for details of opening hours. 

Pets Corner  

This unique area of the park provides a variety of animals for visitors to enjoy. You will find everything from familiar family pets such as rabbits to the less familiar. So go along and make some new friends. 

Miniature Railway  

The Leicester Society of Model Engineers was founded in 1909.  In 1949, the Parks Committee gave the Leicester Society of Model Engineers permission to install a miniature railway for model engines on Abbey Park. The railway is open to the public most Sundays throughout the summer. 

Café  

The recently refurbished café provides visitors with a wide range of refreshments in a welcoming environment. The café is located close to the river, in the parks pavilion, which was built in 1931.  In front of the café stands the statue of Cardinal Wolsey who took his final refuge here in 1530. 

Sporting Facilities  

• Boating lake with rowing boats and pedalos available for hire from March to September 

• Bowls Green 

• Tennis court 

• Cricket pitches

For more details please contact the Sport on Parks office on
Leicester 0116 252 7369. 

Play Area  

There is a large play area suitable for children of all ages and grassed areas for ball games. 

Parking and Access Information  

There is a large car park with places for blue badge holders. The park has level tarmac pathways throughout. The café has ramped access or eight steps and there are fixed and removable seats. 

How to Get There  

The Park is easily accessible from the City centre with access from St Margaret’s Way and the main car park located on Abbey Park Road. Buses run regularly from Leicester City centre and the Park also forms part of the central section of the Riverside Walk and cycle route. 

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